Trailer Towing (For South Africa) - Toyota RAV4 Owner's Manual

210
4-1. Before driving
Trailer towing (for South
Africa)
Your vehicle is designed pri-
marily as a passenger carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer will
have an adverse effect on han-
dling, performance, braking,
durability, and fuel consump-
tion. Your safety and satisfac-
tion depend on the proper use
of correct equipment and cau-
tious driving habits. For your
safety and the safety of others,
do not overload the vehicle or
trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use
extreme care and drive the
vehicle in accordance with the
trailer's characteristics and
operating conditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply
to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for
further information about addi-
tional requirements such as
towing kits, etc.
■
Tire information
● Increase the tire inflation pressure to
20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm
greater than the recommended value
when towing. (P.606)
● Increase the air pressure of the trailer
tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the val-
ues recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
■ Safety checks before towing
●
Check that the maximum load limit for
the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the
coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle.
Also make sure that the total load
exerted on the vehicle is within the
range of the weight limits. (P.211)
● Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
● Supplementary outside rear view mir-
rors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly
seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on
both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of
the road behind.
■ Maintenance
● Maintenance must be performed more
frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight bur-
den placed on the vehicle compared
to normal driving.
● Retighten all bolts securing the hitch-
ing ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
Follow all the instructions described in
this section.
Failure to do so could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious
injury.
■
When towing, make sure that none of
the weight limits are exceeded.
(P.211)
■
2
or bar, 3 psi)
●
WARNING
Trailer towing precautions
To avoid accident or injury
Vehicles with compact spare tire:
Do not tow a trailer when the com-
pact spare tire is installed on your
vehicle.